Researcher in Antiviral Peptide Development (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will conduct experimental work as part of the CNRS Innovation project
“PEPTAFLU.” This postdoctoral project aims to characterize inhibitor peptides engineered using phage display technology and to prepare them for preclinical studies in collaboration with the Pasteur Institute. The work will combine molecular biology methods with the development of antiviral and toxicity assays using human cells and tissues and in a mouse model.

Activity

1. Conduct research, from experimental design to reporting results :

• Monitor scientific developments related to the project.
• Design and optimize DNA constructs for preclinical testing.
• Conduct cellular assays on influenza virus replication, as well as ex vivo assays on bronchial tissue in collaboration with project partners.
• Collaborate with partners on the design and evaluation of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based formulations.
• Collaborate on the experimental design and interpretation of results from in vivo assays.
• Prepare results for monthly reports and oral presentations in English.
• Actively contribute to the development and improvement of experimental protocols.
• Draft protocols and scientific articles in English for publication.

2. Participate in laboratory activities :

• Contribute to the research group's day-to-day operations (logistics, monitoring reagent stocks, tidying up, etc.).
• Participate in the Institute's scientific events and outreach activities.
• Actively interact with partner groups within the consortium, including written and oral presentations of results.

Your Profil

Skills

1. Core Qualifications
• Ph.D. in virology, molecular biology, or structural biology.
• In-depth knowledge of structural biology and methods for studying protein–protein interactions.
• Proficiency in DNA/RNA manipulation techniques and the design of expression vectors.
• General knowledge of in vitro antiviral validation methods (tests on human cell lines).
• Understanding of LNP-based approaches.
• Experience in translational research and participation in clinical trials is a plus.
• General knowledge of in vitro and in vivo antiviral validation methods.
• English: C1 level preferred (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

2. Technical expertise
• Solid experience in molecular biology (cloning, mutagenesis, vector design) and protein biochemistry.
• Experience in biophysical analyses and structural biology.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and cellular assays.
• Proficiency in experimental data analysis, bioinformatics, and statistical tools.
• Knowledge of and compliance with HSE regulations in the laboratory, particularly under P2 conditions.
• Knowledge of the regulatory framework for in vivo experimentation in translational research projects

3. Behavioral and interpersonal skills
• High degree of autonomy.
• Proactivity and scientific curiosity.
• Open-mindedness and active listening.

Your Work Environment

Located at the Grenoble Science Park (ESRF/ILL/EMBL/IBS), the Institute of Structural Biology (IBS) is a leading national and international player in the field of integrated structural biology. Serving as a research center, technical facility, and hub for scientific hosting and training, the IBS is dedicated to advancing research in structural biology, a field critical to understanding fundamental biological mechanisms. It relies on 12 state-of-the-art platforms.
As a joint research unit (CEA-CNRS-UGA), the IBS comprises 20 research groups, each of which takes a multidisciplinary approach at the intersection of biology, physics, and chemistry, aligned with three research priorities. Nearly 320 people work there—researchers, doctoral students, engineers, and technicians—in a multicultural and international environment.
The successful candidate will join the Hart team within the “Viral Replication Machines (VRM)” group, which studies the molecular mechanisms of influenza virus replication using integrated approaches in structural and cellular biology. The team develops new antiviral peptides targeting viral replication using high-throughput screening technologies (phage display, directed evolution) coupled with protein design. These expertise areas are essential to the PEPTAFLU project, which aims to validate antiviral peptides.
https://www.ibs.fr/en/research/microbiology-infection-and-immunity/viral-replication-machines-group-m-jamin/team-hart/

Constraints and risks

Occasional travel to Paris and Orléans for collaborative projects (Institut Pasteur, Inserm). Work in a P2-level laboratory.
Research will be conducted in either French or English. However, non-French-speaking candidates are expected to make an effort to learn the basics of French to facilitate communication and their integration into the laboratory.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €3,041.58 and €3,467.33 (depending on experience)

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions